February 21, 2005

Indy business leaders to talk careers with Science Bound students

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Approximately 100 Science Bound students from Indianapolis Public Schools will explore careers in engineering, life sciences and technology during a career day in Indianapolis sponsored by Purdue University.

Science Bound Career Day will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 5 at the NCAA Hall of Champions, 700 W. Washington St. The students will participate in workshops developed by Indianapolis business leaders from Bowen Engineering; Shiel Sexton Construction; Rolls-Royce, AADC; Raytheon Co.; Veolia Water Indianapolis LLC; Indianapolis Power & Light Co.; General Electric Co.; Eli Lilly and Co.; and USA Funds.

Purdue President Martin C. Jischke will address the students at 9 a.m., and former Purdue football quarterback Mark Herrmann also will be in attendance.

Wesley Campbell, Science Bound director, said students attending the event will gain valuable insights into what careers they might like to pursue.

"It's a big advantage to have direct access to these business leaders and learn firsthand about the operations of their companies," Campbell said. "The students always come away very impressed. They also have a much better idea of what course of study they would like to pursue at Purdue and what they would like to do when they 'grow up.'"

Ron York, chief operating officer of Rolls-Royce, AADC, said he appreciates the opportunities Science Bound provides to Indianapolis students.

"It is important that the youth in our city better understand the kinds of exciting science, technology or engineering-related jobs that they could have with companies in this area," York said. "I grew up in the Indianapolis Public Schools system. Not so many years ago, I was sitting right where they are, trying to figure out what I wanted to become and how to get there. Science Bound can show them those career opportunities and help the students achieve their vision."

Science Bound, a program initiated in 2002 by Jischke, mentors eighth-grade to 12th-grade Indianapolis Public Schools students and encourages them to take classes in preparation for future careers in science, engineering, technology and math-science education. Upon acceptance, Science Bound students receive an opportunity to earn a full four-year tuition scholarship to Purdue to study in an approved technical field.

Writer: Marydell Forbes (765) 496-7704, mforbes@purdue.edu

Sources: Wesley Campbell, Science Bound director, (765) 494-0018, wesleyl@purdue.edu

Ron York, (317) 230-8200, Ron.York@aadc.com

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

Note to Journalists: Media can shoot photos or video footage of many of the workshops and speakers. To make arrangements and receive an itinerary, contact Angela Champion, Science Bound administrative assistant, at (765) 494-0018.

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